Surviving brother of 'flood looters' freed

THE surviving brother of a pair charged with looting during Brisbane’s floods has walked free from court today.

The 25-year-old man and his 26-year-old brother, who committed suicide on the Sunshine Coast last month, were accused of stealing various items including a fire extinguisher, gas bottle and chair at Pinkenba on January 14.

The pair from Rothwell, near Deception Bay, was charged with looting and had been scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 16.

The younger brother appeared on that day, but his older brother did not.

The duo's solicitor Natassja Hollows had told the court the older brother had gone missing after leaving a suicide note.

The 26-year-old was later found deceased in a vehicle near the Beerburrum-Woodford Road on the afternoon of February 16.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances in the 26-year-old man's death.

Brisbane Magistrates Court today heard the looting charge had been "one of the factors" behind his decision to take his own life, brisbanetimes.com.au reported.

Solicitor Natassja Hollows reportedly told the court her client and his brother had come across "junk" near the river at Pinkenba.

She said they took the plastic chair and milk crate to sit on and believed the other items were going to be landfill anyway.

The 25-year-old man’s charge of looting had subsequently been downgraded to a lesser charge of being in possession of property suspected of being stolen.

He pleaded guilty today to the charge.

Magistrate Paul Kluck ordered the 25-year-old not be further punished and no conviction was recorded.

The charge against the deceased man was discontinued.

Anyone needing support or information about suicide prevention should contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.